B5 - Kuzniarowicz Group E

                For the blog assignment for Week 5, students in Group E were tasked with researching the uses of databases in construction firms. According to Merriam-Webster, a database is “a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer.” In today’s society, databases can be utilized by professionals in any trade to organize and present data on a specific topic. In construction, databases are utilized for a number of uses in every project. One of the most useful databases used by construction firms today is the RSMeans software to evaluate construction costs for a wide variety of new construction projects. By utilizing RSMeans, construction firms can accurately determine the budget and schedule for a given project, based on the parameters given in the design submission. RSMeans is the world’s leader in procuring construction cost data for any type of construction project from small residential buildings to large office skyscrapers. The ability for contractors to quickly access this data allows the firm to have a rapid turn-around when creating an accurate budget, which helps in the construction bid process. Because of the extensive information data presented in the RSMeans software, contractors are able to very precisely break down costs for specific bid items to ensure an accurate bid estimate for the client.

                There has been an immense amount of research conducted on how the use of electronic databases can simplify a number of tasks that would normally have to be done by hand by construction managers. A previously tested relational database, called LYNX, was put to the test in utilizing photo documentation while being interfaced with Microsoft Access. It was found that by utilizing photos of specific materials and other activities to organize a database, the process of tracking materials, shipments, and other information became much easier for construction managers in the field. Today, current technologies allow contractors to scan material bar codes to update databases containing a variety of information. I believe that BIM technologies will continue to grow and become more powerful within the construction field. These technologies will not only allow designers to draw the design they are looking to achieve but they will also allow contractors to import real-time information of installation, logistics, and cost of materials being used in the project.

Comments:

Rebecca Lynch:

Rebecca,

You brought up a number of very good points in your post. I did not know anything about the relational database theory, or much about databases as a whole, and your post clarified how the relational database theory is utilized. I believe that we have all done this before without even realizing that we are editing a dataset. The bank example you brought up is also very good since security is so important when it comes to people’s identities and finances.

Alex Palma:

Alex,

You did a very good job explaining what SQL is and how it works. I have very little experience with database creation and manipulation but it seems that this type of coding language relates to most types of other coding methods with the use of the standard commands which allow for database manipulation. 

References:

http://www.rsmeans.com/

Brilakis, I. and Soibelman, L. (2006). "Multimodal Image Retrieval from Construction Databases and Model-Based Systems." J. Constr. Eng. Manage., 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:7(777), 777-785.

B4- Kuzniarowicz Group E

For our final project, my group will be analyzing the applications of 3-D printing technologies in the construction field today in order to write a research paper for the final project. Over recent years, the technologies of 3-D printing have been a new and booming topic in the engineering and research fields. There have not only been advancements in availability and affordability of 3-D printing for the general public, but also the applications in which it can be used. There are a number of different 3-D Printing technologies that are currently being tested and applied to construction projects, such as the United Arab Emirates Innovation Committee’s plan to 3-D print an entire office building. In addition to fully 3-D printed construction projects, the technology is also being utilized in the creation of innovative and sustainable building materials such as concrete, plastic-based, wood-based, and alloy-based bulk materials.  Although the technology is still up and coming, breakthroughs in 3-D printing are continuously occurring. One of these breakthroughs includes the utilization of 3-D printers to create structures for a manned Mars space mission.

The breakthrough technology of 3-D printing has already made, and will continue to make, significant economic and social impacts in the world today. In the field of construction, the use of 3-D printing technologies could significantly decrease the cost associated with materials as well as simplify the overall construction process to make it more efficient.

A general outline for our final project on 3-D building technologies is as follows:

v  Abstract

Ø   An overall summary of the research, discoveries, and conclusions made about 3-D printing

v  Introduction

Ø  History of 3-D Printing

Ø  Background information about 3-D printing in Construction

Ø  Examples of 3-D printing applications

v  Topic 1: 3-D Printing and Building Materials

Ø  Fully 3-D Printed Materials

§  Concrete

Ø  Using Additives in 3-D Printing

§  Wood-based Bulk Materials

§  Plastic-based materials

§  Alloys

§  Other (moon rocks)

v  Topic 2: 3-D printing in Construction

Ø  Printing Methods

Ø  Structural Components

v  Topic 3: Entirely 3-D Printed Structures

Ø  WinSun China Builds 1^st 3-D Printed Villa and Apartment Building

Ø  UAEIC 3-D Printing Office Building

v  Future of 3-D Printing

Ø  Additional Construction Applications

Ø  Growth of Scale of Printing

v  Conclusions

v  References

1)    Win Sun 3-D Printed Villa/Apartment Building

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20150118-winsun-builds-world-first-3d-printed-villa-and-tallest-3d-printed-building-in-china.html

2) UAEIC 3-D Printed Office Building:

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1698870470?pq-origsite=summon&accountid=10559

3&4) Printing with Regolith (or other moon rocks)

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20140002630.pdf

http://www.esa.int/Highlights/Lunar_3D_printing

5) 3-D Printing and Rapid Casting (Concrete and Alloys)

http://search.proquest.com/docview/214028287?pq-origsite=summon

6) 4-D Printing of the Future (Future)

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1650538777?pq-origsite=summon

7) 3-D Printing and its applications (Introduction)

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1432214803?pq-origsite=summon

8) Comparing Environmental impacts of 3-D Printing vs. Traditional Machining

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1648113434?pq-origsite=summon

Comments:

Cathlene Farnelli – 3-D Printed Concrete Properties

Cathlene,

You have stated a number of very good considerations on the topic of 3-D printing of concrete but there are many more thanks that you should consider. I would look into some of the fully 3-D printed buildings that are already in existence (WinSun China, and the UAE Innovation committee’s plan to fully print a building) and consider how they use concrete in their design. I would also look into using concrete material as an additive in 3-D printing. My group is also considering 3-D printing applications so I feel that we could help each other out with sources and information. I have attached sources in my post so feel free to take a look.

Kate Flint – Daylighting Technologies in Intelligent Buildings

Kate,

Like you, I also really enjoyed AE 340 (I hope you had Hartnichek) and I feel that this is a very important topic in building design today. I am currently in the AEI senior design competition and daylighting is one of the major considerations we must account for in the design for our 17-story office building. Daylighting is important in every building from hospitals to schools. This topic is very challenging because you do not only have to consider the building automation aspect of the design but also the economic impact of a satisfactory daylighting design. I would do significant research on how daylighting technologies can reduce of and increase the efficiency of a building. The idea for your topic is very general and there is a lot of information that could be included in your final report depending on which route you take. Good Luck!

B3 - Group E: Adrian Kuzniarowicz

In today’s construction design process, there are many different CAD and BIM software technologies being utilized. Two of the most commonly used programs include AutoCAD and Revit, both of which are programmed and designed by a company called Autodesk. By initially releasing AutoCAD in December of 1982, Autodesk provided its users with the capability of creating, saving, and editing two-dimensional and three-dimensional CAD drawings which were drawn using a single line tool. Autodesk took it one step further when in 2000, they released their first version of REVIT software. The REVIT software allowed users to create a new type of file that consisted of a digital, 3-dimensional model that implemented the design of a building’s infrastructure, architectural plans, and utility design. New advances in REVIT software has allowed for the integration of construction schedules and budgets into its BIM modeling software to allow for more efficient building planning and budgeting.

As technology has advanced over the last decade, the ways which it is applied and the amount of different professionals that use it has grown tremendously. In the past, architects and engineers were the main professions which utilized software such as AutoCAD. Since then, professionals in trades such as Fire Protection or HVAC, and even Construction Managers, have begun utilizing AutoCAD software as well as BIM modeling technologies, like REVIT, to creating and analyze highly integrated and organized construction projects. The advancements in the development of REVIT software has even allowed for users to plan and track various stages in the building’s life-cycle, from the planning of the design to the post-life demolition of the structure.

Unlike AutoCAD, which limits it’s users capabilities to drawing extensively detailed two-dimensional plans using a single “line” tool, REVIT allows its users to simply create floor plans using “Wall”, “Door”, and “Window” tools. The program allows the user to specify material types, thicknesses, and other material properties, which are preloaded into the program, much more simply than AutoCAD, in order to create a highly integrated 3-D model of a building.

In addition to these programs, Autodesk has created a number of drafting programs to assist professionals in drawing of discipline-specific plans or drawings. AutoCAD Architecture, formerly known as Architectural Desktop, was initially released by Autodesk in 1998. Similarly to REVIT, the program allowed for architects to create 2-D and 3-D CAD drawings using architectural tools such as “Wall” and “Window” tools. Unlike REVIT, the AutoCAD Architecture software does not allow for the life-cycle analysis of a building, but it does allow for simpler drawing capabilities than AutoCAD.

I believe that REVIT software is one of the most valuable BIM technologies available on the market today. It is capable of creating simple 2-D and 3-D drawings while also being capable of much more. I feel that in order to create a fully functional and efficient REVIT model for a building project, it is up to all parties, including the construction managers, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to be highly collaborative throughout the entire planning and construction process.

Comments:

Danielle Schroeder

Danielle,

I strongly agree with you when you say that for a civil engineering firm to adopt REVIT software, it would be very time consuming and costly. During one of my co-ops, although I had already known how to draft using AutoCAD and REVIT, I had to learn how to use Microstation well. It took me nearly 4 straight, 8-hour-days of watching online tutorial videos to simply get the basics down. Consider this: if it took me, who is fairly good with computers, that long to learn the basics of Microstation, imagine the time and money it would take an entire firm to be trained to become proficient with the program.

Allison Lock

Allison,

I like that you chose to write about Google’s Sketchup software as another form of drawing software. I have had limited experience with the program but I found it quite challenging to try to accurately model a building’s systems. I found it fairly useless for practical uses, unless one is trying to present a rendering of a proposed building. Although it is fairly simple to use, the capabilities of Sketchup are far inferior to those of AutoCAD, and especially those of REVIT.

Sources:

http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/building-information-modeling/overview

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodesk_Revit

B2 - Adrian Kuzniarowicz Group E

For this week’s discussion post, Group E was instructed to read Chapter 6 of BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners. In Chapter 6 of the guide, the author writes about the various applications which BIM technologies are used for by contractors in the field.

The utilization of BIM technology in the construction field has tremendous impacts on the cost, time, and constructability of most construction projects. In design, BIM is utilized by all members of the project team to accurately model and integrate the components of the construction process. The implementation of BIM technology in the construction process allows for a better planned construction process with a reduced number of potential conflicts. Projects that benefit from interdisciplinary BIM models are typically ones that include IPD, or Integrated Project Delivery. IPD is a joint contract that requires architects, designers, general contractors, and trade contractors to work together from the start of a project.

In today’s construction field, BIM technologies can be utilized for a number of applications, including the following:

·         Clash Detection, Quantity Takeoff,  Cost Estimating,Construction Analysis and Planning, Integration with cost and schedule control and other management functions,  Etc.

In the past, contractors have been deemed with the task of performing manual quantity take-offs, estimates, and schedules, which became a very tedious and time consuming process. As time has progressed, contractors have recognized the importance of team communication and collaboration early into the project and how the implementation of BIM technology can simplify the organizational tasks which must be completed by contractors prior, during, and after the construction sequence. By considering the importance of team collaboration for the creation of useful BIM models, the number of errors in a project can be significantly reduced compared to previous construction projects which did not use BIM.

This guide presents an informative take on the importance of the emergence and utilization of BIM technologies in the construction field. The chapter on contractor implementation of BIM technologies presents good examples of applications and expectations of how BIM software impacts a contractors methodologies. The chapter demonstrated various different applications where BIM software is utilized in construction which I had no idea about. I found the chapter very interesting and informative considering BIM technology will only continue to advance and be implement in construction and design all over the world.

Comments:

  Kate Flint:

Kate,

From your post, it seems that your chapter on the implementation of BIM by Architects and Engineers pointed out many of the same things as my chapter on the implantation of BIM by Contractors. Similarly to Chapter 5, Chapter 6 stressed the importance of BIM in the early phases of the design process. I found that for a contractor to have an accurate BIM model, there must be collaboration between disciplines early in the process. In regards to your co-op experience, I have seen the same problem with tradesman not wanting to get on board. I believe that this is because they just want to get in and out of the project to get paid as fast as they can.

 Laura Worley

Laura,

In your last paragraph you mentioned the importance of the feature of clash detection in BIM software. I don’t know how extensively Chapter 2 touched on the subject, but in Chapter 6 on the Contractor implementations of BIM, the topic is discussed very extensively. It really gives you a good idea of how important BIM is when considering a fully integrated building design. I also agree with your statement of the importance of BIM in determining load paths through a structure. I have also used BIM for this and it has proven to be very beneficial.

Reference:
Eastman, Charles M. 2011. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost.

B1 - Adrian Kuzniarowicz

The four topics for this blog post, databases, networks, sociology, and the future, are very important components with regards to "Intelligent Buildings" and the technology which is used to develop these designs.

A database, which is an organized collection of data that is accessed using a database management system (DBMS) to allow a user to interact with one or more databases and provides access to all of the data contained in the database, can be utilized for a number of applications when considering intelligent building design. An article [1] by the Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics presented the idea of utilizing database-assisted design in the estimation of tornado loads on wood-framed buildings. The article stated that in order to be able to assess the intensity of tornado loads on a structure, a series of databases containing specific information about the properties of the tornados was created and analyzed to produce an accurate representation of predicted tornado loads. I believe that this article presents one application of the utilization of database systems in the design of intelligent buildings.

The second component mentioned before that has a significant impact on intelligent building design is the implementation of networks in the design process. In an article [2] by the Journal of Wavelength technology, the evolving trends in the architecture design and computer modeling of a metropolitan network were observed. A network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. In the article, the author presented information on how many extensive networks there are and how the data and traffic along these networks is slowed. The article continued to explain the importance of networks and how they are not only implemented between personal computer system, but also their significance in the communication between infinitesimally small computers. Overall, this article presented the metro network architecture evolution trends over the course of the past few years. Everyday, ordinary people have access to networks without even knowing it. Today, many social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, are used to connect people virtually. Unlike many things which cease to exist, the growth of networks and their capabilities is inevitable, allowing for more applications, such as construction.

The third topic related to intelligent building design mentioned above was sociology. As time goes on and technology continues to advance at a very rapid pace, the research and development of the field of artificial intelligence is also rapidly growing. In the article, “Artificial Intelligence,” [3] the author explains the development and testing of a condition-monitoring sub-module of an integrated plant maintenance management application which is based off artificial intelligence. The article presents problems with utilizing this design as well as benefits. According to the article, benefits of implantation of AI software in a plant included the following: reduction in machine down time, reduction in skill level for maintenance activities, ease of maintenance, speedy response and affordable cost. Whether we like it or not, the future technological advancements of the world will have a significant impact on how we live. The changes that come will benefit the lives of everyday people, as long as those everyday people are willing to adapt to the coming changes.

The future of intelligent building design is very broad and open to exploration. For years, personal computers and the ways which they are used have been more readily available. As seen in the article about the development of artificial intelligence, the ways which we utilize computers to perform everyday tasks is becoming more advanced as time goes on. If additional advancement of technology was to continue at the pace which it is currently going, I believe that within a matter of years, artificial intelligence technology will be so advanced that it will be utilized in the “smart” construction of “intelligent” buildings.

Comments:

Matthew Zabiega:

Matthew,

I find it very interesting that 3-D printing has been around for such a long time and that it is just now becoming readily available to the public. I, personally, have not been able to witness 3-D printing occurring or have even to see a 3-D printer. I believe that I read somewhere that they have even begun using 3-D printing to print concrete to use for structures. So maybe we are not too far from this being a constantly implemented component in intelligent building design.

Sources:

[1] http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/science/article/pii/S0167610514002414

[2]

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=1353397

[3]

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/docview/212593448/fulltextPDF?accountid=10559

List of our thoughts Group E

castle: placement of objects needed to be more precise than when tying the ropes

Bridge:
the qudracopters were producing more complex structures, and they were better integrated and programmed - very "tightly woven" and synchronized, flew smoother and faster, more applicable as time goes on, more systematic approach and showing developed ideas of capabilities

Implications: less physical human labor and therefore less risk of harm/injury, and buildings/structures more feasible in difficult-to-construct locations, theoretically could build 24-7

Adrian Kuzniarowicz Introduction

My name is Adrian Kuzniarowicz. I am currently a Senior pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Civil and Architectural Engineering with a concentration in Structures. I am in the 5 year - 3 co op program and have completed all of my co ops at this point. After graduation, I am looking to find a full time job within the Railroad Structures Department at major firm in the area.

By taking this class I plan to better understand how databases are used in BIM Modeling as well what practices BIM modeling is utilized. I have had Professor Mitchell for many classes before and I believe his knowledge on the matter will provide a great deal of insight for all students.

An intelligent building is a one that is designed, constructed, and sustained by creating an ingenuitive design that fully integrates all systems related to the building's overall quality and performance.

Student Names - To Create Tags

Here are the names of the students in AE-510 as of 12/30/2015.  This post is mostly here to create the tags for labeling posts by students.  A second one will be necessary because blogger limits the length of tags that can be added at one time.

Alexis Aikins

Mohammed Al Qallaf

Hamad Al-Hajri

Faisal Alghati

Cristian Almendariz

Hatim Amiji

Maria Ayon

Danielle Beynon

Eduardo Borja

Samuel Boyce

Nikita Chauhan

Mridul Chulet

Sean Coffey

Alexandria Crouthamel

Bryan Cummings

Cathlene Farnelli

Katherine Flint

Bridget Frasca

Laura Hill

Adrian Kuzniarowicz

Yuanjin Li

Mark Lodato

Rebecca Lynch

Alex Palma

James Redus

Gary Reiff

Danielle Schroeder

Yuyang Shi

Yasmina Shields

Karan Sagar Sinha

Jonathan Swartz

Janet Tran

Dianna Vogel

Kai Waechter

William Whitesell

Laura Worley

Haoying Ye

Matthew Zabiega

Derek Zaccheo